Donte Whitner, the Pro Bowl safety and resident sage in the 49ers’ locker room, was talking about playoff intensity and how last year’s experience — a 20-17 overtime loss to the Giants — might help as his team prepares for Sunday’s NFC Championship Game against Atlanta.

Whitner was asked if he planned to talk to some of San Francisco’s younger players, such as quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Whitner’s response, essentially: Kaepernick isn’t like most young players.

“I think Colin will be pretty good,” Whitner said. “He’s a pretty headstrong guy. A lot of the things you have to tell other younger guys, you don’t need to tell him because it’s already been instilled in him.

“I believe he’ll be OK. I believe he’ll go out there and play a really good game and lead us to our goal. And our goal is to get to the Super Bowl and win it. This week is our chance to do it.”

Whitner and his defensive teammates face a daunting task against Falcons receivers Julio Jones, Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez. At least the 49ers need not worry about quarterback Matt Ryan fleeing downfield, Kaepernick-like, and causing havoc with his speed.

“It’s a nightmare, especially when you have a guy who can run 4.3 or 4.4 and can outrun defensive backs and linebackers,” Whitner said of the challenges posed by a running quarterback in general and Kaepernick specifically. “He’s a smart guy who can get you in a good play and run the read option.

“You really don’t know where the football is playing against this read option, until you finally see it. Sometimes, he can pull it out and drop back and throw it deep. You really have to respect all the weapons and be disciplined, and it’s tough to do that for four quarters.”